Picture from responders.

 

A seven-year-old boy has drowned after heroically rescuing his five-year-old friend from drowning in a deep pond in Sri Narong District, Surin Province.

 

On the afternoon of 5 April, emergency services from the Surin New Disaster Relief Association, along with divers from the VR Rescue Unit, Tadan Rescue Unit, and Sawang Sa Sia Gong Rescue Team, were called to assist in the search for the missing child near a recently dredged pond in Ban Nong Thep village, Narong Subdistrict.

 

The pond, approximately one rai in size and 10 to 15 metres deep, is located about 500 metres from the boy’s home. Divers searched for about 30 minutes before recovering the body approximately 10 metres from the edge of the pond. The boy was identified as Nonthaphat, known affectionately as “Ole,” a student at Ban Lamong School in Sri Narong.

 

According to the account given by the five-year-old survivor, Asawin, the boys had been playing marbles earlier in the day before deciding to go fishing at the pond. After setting their fishing lines, the trio jumped into the water to play. They attempted to swim towards a wooden pole in the middle of the pond when Asawin began to struggle and called for help. Ole swam to his aid, allowing the younger boy to climb onto his back, successfully saving him. However, Ole then disappeared beneath the surface and did not resurface.

 

Ole’s 59-year-old grandmother, Mrs. Saraniang, who had raised him since his parents separated, shared her grief and heartbreak. She explained that the children sometimes sneaked off to swim, and she would usually follow to scold them. On this occasion, she was unwell and had gone to the local hospital. After returning and resting, she was informed that her grandson had drowned.

 

Local villagers and emergency responders mourn the selfless bravery of young Ole, whose final act was one of pure courage and love.

 

-- 2025-04-07

 

It happens enough you’d think the parents would teach their kids how to swim

A very selfless little lad.

Unfortunately, he paid the ultimate sacrifice.

RIP hero.

8 hours ago, hotsun said:

It happens enough you’d think the parents would teach their kids how to swim

I agree.

 

The responsibility should be taken on by the government. This happens all the time yet nothing changes. The govt should be investing in teaching kids how to swim, cycle safely etc yet they do what they always do....sweet nothing.

 

Nothing changes, nor will it. The reality is, despite all the romantics who make excuses for crap parenting, hundreds of children die needlessly here all the time. I cringe seeing kids on motorbikes without helmets yet it's a frequent site here. Kids not counted off of school buses.

 

I'm not saying this lad's parents are to blame but there are a hell of a lot of child fatalities that could be prevented with better parental care. After the event comes the tears, excuses and drama yet in reality....there is usually a human to blame. Manslaughter should be imposed on these holes who are too lazy to take proper care of children.

 

Poor little lad. He deserved better.

Drowning is the leading cause of death of children in Thailand up to 15 years of age and it has been for quite some time.

 

This fact alone should flag something in government that basic but key safety skills need to be taught in all schools.

1) Water Safety

2) Road Safety

3) Electrical Safety

 

'nearly' every person in Thailand will be near a water hazard at some point in their life, will be on the road in their life, and be exposed to substandard electrics at some point in their life...   

 

These key lessons would be far more important than many other things taught in schools.

 

 

10 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Ole’s 59-year-old grandmother, Mrs. Saraniang, who had raised him since his parents separated,

We read so often about grandparents having to raise their grandchildren due to the mother going away to work because the father of the kids has abandoned his responsibilities.